Food
Ask about it
Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Programs in Iowa
Iowa programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP gives eligible Iowa households monthly benefits to buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Women, Infants, and Children
In Iowa, WIC is called Iowa WIC.
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition support, and referrals to eligible pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children under five.
Ways to apply:In person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks provides eligible children grocery benefits during summer school breaks.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Iowa Department of Education
School Nutrition Programs
School nutrition programs provide low-cost or free breakfast and lunch to children during the school day.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food banks that serve Iowa
Food banks in the Feeding America network supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call yours or check its website to find one close by.
- Food Bank for the Heartland
Serves Cass County, Cherokee County, Crawford County, Fremont County, Harrison County, Ida County, Lyon County, Mills County and 8 more
Call 402-331-1213Find food near youListed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
- Food Bank of Iowa
Serves Adair County, Adams County, Appanoose County, Audubon County, Boone County, Buena Vista County, Calhoun County, Carroll County and 47 more
Call 515-564-0330Find food near youListed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
- HACAP Food Reservoir
Serves Benton County, Cedar County, Iowa County, Johnson County, Jones County, Linn County, Washington County
Call 319-393-7811Find food near youListed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
- Northeast Iowa Food Bank
Serves Allamakee County, Black Hawk County, Bremer County, Buchanan County, Butler County, Chickasaw County, Clayton County, Delaware County and 8 more
Call 319-235-0507Find food near youListed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
- River Bend Food Bank
Serves Clinton County, Dubuque County, Jackson County, Muscatine County, Scott County
Call 563-345-6490Find food near youListed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Iowa
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988